2009 Kia Rio's inexpensive, but it certainly doesn't feel cheap

But in this case, the paint was symbolic. It had a rich, premium sheen, and that theme held up, more or less,
throughout the car.

Rio, it can be reported with delight, is an example of how to make an inexpensive car that doesn't look or feel
cheap. It was a pleasant surprise among rides that are right for the Great Recession, especially after a
disappointing bare-bones version of Nissan Versa and the uninspiring Toyota Yaris five-door.

If the "cheap" thing doesn't bother you, then consider that the sub-$11,000 entry Versa is remarkably roomy for its overall
size, and the Yaris is well-equipped and offers a generous array of useful options — which quickly take it out of the
low-price transportation category (defined here as a sub-$15,000 sticker price).

We're focusing on some low-price models from time to time to see which are worthy candidates for people battered
into financial reasonableness (or desperation) by the economy — at least those people who need cars and prefer
the virginal persona and factory warranty of a new car to the value proposition but underlying mystery of a used car.

The current version of Rio was introduced as a 2006 model. The '09 tested is almost identical to the '08 model,
except '09s get a new audio system that includes built-in satellite radio hardware, a different gauge design and
different climate controls.

Rio is available as a four door sedan and a "five-door" (four-door hatchback), which is identical except for the body
configuration.

The Rio sedan is worth a look because the bare-bones base model starts at an alluring $12,145 and comes with
hard-to-ignore warranties. The Rio5 hatchback, not tested, has no bare-bones version.

The really, really, really red Rio sedan test car was an LX (starting at $13,875), one step up from the base.
For the higher price, LX gives you air-conditioning, adjustable steering column, split-folding rear seat and input
jacks for both an iPod-like device and a USB drive.

The brand as a whole also has moved up in Power's '09 Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures problems in
3-year-old models. The '09 results, out Thursday, showed Kia 27th of 37 brands, up from 35th of 37 in '08.

The test car had an optional automatic transmission (not available on the base version) and floor mats ($95),
bringing the sticker price to $14,820.

So, no longer dirt cheap, but still tempting. Here's how the test car escaped feeling "cheap."

• It had manual mirrors, like the low-end Versa did, but Rio's can be adjusted via stalks inside the passenger
compartment. You don't have to lean out, tap the mirror glass, then sit back to see how close you came,
as on the Versa.

• It had manual door locks, like the Versa, but provided a keyhole in both front doors, not just the driver's.
Big difference in convenience.

Operating the rear door locks also was easier because of the wide reach-back gap between the front seat
and door pillar. You could open the front door and stretch your arm back to the rear-door lock without much
twisting or trouble.

• Manual windows benefited from cranks positioned just where your hand automatically reached. Each crank was
angled up to catch your palm just right as you began the window-winding.

• A one-piece top on the instrument panel meant no creaks from plastic parts rubbing together, as when
multiple pieces are involved.

On the other hand:

Anti-lock brakes are not offered on the base and are a $400 extra on the others. Stability control is not available, period.

The engine was adequate for merging, passing, hauling a load. It sounded coarse, until wide-open throttle application
transformed it to husky and almost appealing. That encouraged hard-throttle driving, which hurt fuel economy.

By contrast, the engine in that Yaris tested recently didn't encourage spirited driving, and the Yaris returned remarkably
good mileage.

The Rio's four-speed automatic downshifted abruptly, was jerky and without finesse. The back seat was tight for adults.
If you need generous space back there, the Versa and the Yaris are better.

The chemistry between driver and car sometimes is weak despite powerful on-paper attributes and features of a vehicle.
And sometimes it's delightfully strong even though the spec sheet suggests otherwise.

Despite explicably mediocre mileage in the mid 20s (lowered by hard driving, lots of winter idling), Rio had good chemistry.
It felt right for everyday use. It never made you shudder at the lack of power accessories, or prodded you into looking
around for something else to drive that had more power under the hood or a fancier interior.

Maybe that orange-tinted red paint had a magic ingredient.

ABOUT THE KIA RIO

• What? Four-door, front-wheel-drive, low-price, small economy car, available as conventional four-door sedan
(tested) and a hatchback.

• Where? Made in South Korea.

• Why? Because tight economic times mean more interest in economy cars.

• How much? Base sedan starts at $12,145, including $650 shipping. LX is $13,875. SX is $14,675.

Test car — LX with automatic, air conditioning, floor mats — was $14,820.

• What's the drivetrain? 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine rated 110 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 107 pounds-feet
of torque at 4,500 rpm. Is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Four-speed automatic is optional on LX and SX, not available on base.

• How lavish? Not; that's the point. Fewer features equals lower price.
Anti-lock brakes, standard on many cars, are a $400 option. Stability control's MIA.

• How big? Bigger than the Toyota Yaris hatchback, smaller than the Ford Focus. 

Passenger space: 92.2 cubic feet. Trunk: 11.9 cu. ft.

Turning circle, 33.1 ft. (32.7 ft. base model).

• How thirsty? Manual's rated 27 miles per gallon in town, 33 on the highway, 30 combined.
The automatic is 26/35/30.

Automatic test car, hurt by cold-weather keep-warm idling and hard-throttle fun, registered 21.5 mpg
in suburban use.

Uses regular. Holds 11.9 gallons.

• Overall:  Surprisingly classy and satisfying.